For the 400,000 US Down syndrome population, the cognitive disability begins with abnormal brain development, caused by trisomy 21, that begins at birth and typically results in deficits, but not losses, in learning, memory, language and behavior. While the Down Syndrome intellectual disability is present at birth, it is not progressive. Learning progresses over time. The early learning and memory deficit is due partly to hippocampal dysfunction.

There are no known treatments.

Through our work, we aim to improve the brain function by targeting the neurotransmitter pathways that are disturbed in the Down Syndrome brain. Our research to date has shown promising results.